When a child is born they are immediately a part of that family. As Christians, we are blessed to automatically be a part of God's family and can enjoy all the spritual richness that now comes with that. Israel, God's children, were under the guardianship of the law. In this passage, we are reminded as Christians of what we were (under slavery to the world's forces), what God did (sent Jesus to save us) and what they we now (God's children and legitimate heirs to what He has to offer). Is your Christian life moving towards the freedom that Jesus has won for you?

The law was established by God to show the Israelites how to live as a nation. It challenged man's sinful ego, which recognised itself as under attack, and therefore furiously defended itself. The law does not changes the hearts of people but now ensures that they understand that only Jesus is good enough to save them. As a Christian, we can rejoice in the fact that God has called us His child.

Paul reinforces in this passage to the Galatians Christians the importance of how grace came into their lives - there was no law or ritual they had to go through, they only had to believe. Those who said that they now needed to follow the Jewish law to remain in Christ were wrong. The grace offered by God is for all people who believe. We cannot be saved by upholding to the law and doing good works. Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ.

Peter (Cephas) knew first hand from Jesus that a person was not saved by the law, but by having faith and giving their life over to Jesus. In this passage, Paul challenges Peter to the way he was living and forcing Gentiles to follow Jewish customs. Peter's actions did not match up to what he said and his hypocrisy was leading others astray. As Christians, we need to ensure that our life reflects what we believe and that we live according to the truth of the gospel and as a good witness to others.

Paul focuses on the Gospel of Grace in his letter to the Galatians. In this passage, Titus is shown as an example of the grace given by God. As a Gentile, Titus did not need to follow the Jewish customs to have a relationship with Jesus. Paul is wanting to emphasise to the Galatians that grace is offered as a gift from God and does not require them to do good works to achieve it. God continues to work in the world today. His gift of grace is offered to everyone who wants to accept it. The challenges for Christians today is sharing the gospel with others so that they have the opportunity of responding in faith and obedience.

What is special about the grace that Paul received? He received the Gospel of Grace through a real life encounter with Jesus. We too can receive this same grace as we recognise our needs and call Jesus into our lives. Paul's persecution of Christians was turned around after his encounter with God. No matter what we have done in our lives, Jesus wants us to have a relationship with Him.

Paul reminds the Galatians about the gospel of grace and not having to continue with the Jewish law as part of their Christian walk. We need to be reminded of the gospel of grace for our lives as well. Grace is about rescuing us when we don't even know we need rescuing. It is very easy to fall back onto our own strength and to try to make ourselves right with God by our own actions. There is no good work we can do to win God's grace. Jesus has already done everything for us by His death on the cross. We only need to accept that and ask Him into our lives.

Forgiveness is at the heart of Easter. It has been extended to us by God and we must extend forgiveness to others. Forgiveness is a life choice - a daily practice we should always strive to do, despite the circumstances we face. In today's passage, Jesus shows us, through the parable, the circumstances that we face if we do not forgive. Are we any different to the unforgiving servant? Jesus' death on the cross wiped away an impossible debt of sin for us that we could never repay. A new life can be obtained by everyone who accepts Jesus' death and resurrection for themselves.

In our society, we value people who show humility. We tend not to like the actions of those people who deliberately raise themselves at the expense of others. Jesus came to earth to show us how to live and He put into practice His own teachings. Jesus showed true servant leadsership. We are to show humility and value others more than ourselves. Our mindset is to be like that of the attitude of Jesus.

There would be very little places in our world today where care is not needed. Jesus showed great care for others in His time on earth, healing those who were rich, poor and outcasts. He showed compassion to all people, even those who apposed Him. Ultimately, God allowed Jesus to sacrifice Himself for the sin of all mankind because of His great love and care for us all. We need to care for all people and live as an ambassador of Jesus.